Homemade Pizza Burgers

Craving the irresistible flavors of pizza but want the satisfaction of a juicy burger? Look no further than the Homemade Pizza Burger! This recipe combines America’s favorite foods into a delicious and fun creation, perfect for a backyard barbecue or a casual weeknight meal.

A Match Made in Heaven:

This recipe brings together two culinary classics:

• Pizza Inspiration: The pizza burger takes its inspiration from classic pepperoni and sausage pizza, offering familiar and beloved flavors.
• Cheeseburger Twist: This recipe transforms those pizza flavors into a juicy cheeseburger, creating a unique and satisfying experience.

The Art of the Blend:

The recipe delves into the secrets of creating the perfect pizza burger patty:

• Meatball Magic: A 50/50 blend of ground beef and Italian sausage creates a flavorful base, reminiscent of a giant meatball.
• Spicy or Mild: Choose “hot” Italian sausage for a kick or opt for the milder version depending on your preference.
• Pizza Seasoning: Enhance the patty with pre-made pizza seasoning or a combination of oregano, basil, marjoram, and garlic powder.

Topping Creativity:

The recipe encourages customization when it comes to toppings:

• Endless Possibilities: Feel free to unleash your creativity and choose your favorite pizza toppings to personalize your burger experience.
• Space Considerations: While the toppings are customizable, keep in mind the size of the burger and choose wisely.

Ready to Create Your Own Pizza Burger Masterpiece? Here’s the Recipe!

Ingredients:

• For the Pizza Burgers:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • ½ pound hot or mild Italian sausage
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 8 slices mozzarella cheese
  • Hamburger buns

Instructions:

1. Combine the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, tomato paste, salt, sugar, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, pepper, and oregano. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a spoon until everything is well combined.

2. Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the meatball mixture for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and creates a firmer patty that’s easier to handle.

3. Form the Patties: Divide the chilled meatball mixture into 4 equal portions. Form each portion into a thin patty.

4. Assemble the Pizza Burgers: Place 1 slice of mozzarella cheese on each of 4 burger patties. Gently press down on the cheese to make sure it sticks. Top each cheese-laden patty with another plain patty. Pinch the edges of the patties together to seal in the cheese.

5. Cook the Burgers: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the pizza burgers to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the burgers are browned and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).

6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your pizza burgers on hamburger buns with your favorite pizza toppings.

Tips:

• Experiment with different cheese varieties besides mozzarella for a unique flavor twist.
• Consider adding a layer of pizza sauce to the bottom bun for an extra burst of pizza flavor.
• Leftover pizza burger patties can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in a skillet or oven.

Final Thoughts:

Homemade Pizza Burgers are a testament to the fun and delicious possibilities that arise when we combine our favorite foods. So fire up the grill, grab your ingredients, and get ready to create a burger experience that will bring smiles to faces of all ages!